The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1887-12-31

think, why we must do without it, that's
all"
Doctor Blake turned very pale as he
heard these words not intended for his ear.
But pulling himself together with an effort,
he stepped forward
At his unexpected appearance Doris
gave sudden start and, crimsoning to her
fair temple, threw q cloth over the portrait
But not before Doctor Blake had caught
glimpse of his nephew's broad white fore
head and expressive eyes.
The Doctor, pretending to have heard and
seen nothing, greeted Paul with his usual
easy courtesy But that usually selt-pos-
sesSed young man, mutter1ng something
about previous engagement, made hasty
exit, leaving the Doctor and his ward alone
together.
Silent and distract, and utterly unlike the
happy young girl who was accustomed to
greet him with her brightest smile, Doris
stood with downcast eyes seemingly intent
on studying the colors on her palette.
Now his nephew's fragmentary speech
had completely upset Doctor Blake-if l
may use the homely smile. He had known
for some time that Paul had persistently
haunted Doris studio to the scandal of Mrs
| Mack and his own secret uneaslpess. But
| that matters had gone SO far he never
| dreamed.
| Yet, being brave man, DR.. Blake crushed
| down his rebellous feelings PIE had come
| on mission of peace. A littlh fia,eSSe 0aight
be advisable, for impulsive Doris was not
apt to listen patiently wksn Mrs Mack,
whom she exceedingly disliked, was the
topic. Perhaps he had better begin by
mentioning the invitation that morning re-
ceived and accepted for himself and Doris
to eat their N Years dinner with the
Marstons. Thus he could lead up to the
topic desired by slow degrees.
II suppose Doris, said the Doctor, break
ing an awkward silence, "that-e'r-Mrs.
Mack has told you we are engaged"
''She has Just given me to understand SO
yes" coldly interrupted Doris.
| This was not encouraging. He would hce1
about the bush nc longer but mention his
errand at once.
Gas you know, Doris" again began DR..
Black nervously clearing his throat, Mrs
Mack is a most excellent housekeeper, and
We
Doris beautiful face, as pale as DEATH was
suddenly turned toward him, checking his
further explanation.
II do not care to listen to recital of Mrs
Mack's accomplishments or virtues" cried
| Doris, with passionate resentment unlike
| the Doris he kncw-"she and ! are thor
oughly antagonistiC. 1t does not matter
though" she said, with a sudden half pa
! thetic change of voice and manner-''we
shall not trouble each other in the future.
II have accepted an offer received to-
day and shall no longer be dependent on
| youp-bounty."
Though stricken to the heart DR. Blake
was too proud to make any sign. He
waited moment for Doris to explain
further, but Doris was dumb. Could he
have seen her quivering lips he might have
known the reason.
81 hope you may be happy in your new
life, Doris" 1t cost DR.. Blake a tremen-
dous effort to say this Too well he knew
the weak will and vacillating purpose of
his nephew, who would never succeed in
his call ng, simply from lack of energy and
application. And this was the man who
had won his pretty ward!
Thank you" said Doris, III a low tone.
But as she suddenly lifted her deep sharp
eyes to his own, what was it that for one
brief moment, he fancied he saw in their
inscrutable depths?
All the seif-repressed passion of his nat
ure rose suddenly to the surface For the
first time in his years of guardianship DR..
Paul Blake forgot to hold himself in check.
Crossing the space between them with a
single stride, DR. Blake seized both Doris
small hands in his own:
Dor,s my darling-can it be possible?"
he exclaimed, in half bewiiderment
And his voice, as well as the love-light
shining from his eyes, supplied what was
lacking of further speech
food of tell-tale crimson suffused the
fair girls brow, cheeks and neck.
" How dare you'll hate you, DR. Blake, y
she impetuously cried, in the same breath.
And wrenching herself from his OBTAINING
CRISP, Doris, hiding her hot face in hel
hands, burst into an agony of weeping
Well would dismayed DIR. Blake have de-
sired to kiss away her tears, as when Doris
WIS a tiny maiden. But-she hated him
that settled 1T Exhaling sigh, which
seemed to come from his boot-soles, the
doctor turned and made his way hastiy
down stairs Doris waited till the echo OF
his foo steps had died away; then, drying
her eyes on a diminutve handkerchief, she
stamped her small foot with considerable
energy
81 am nothing but young TOOL" she
sad, with an unconsc Gus echo of Il similar
admission on DIR. Blake's part little be.
| 1OIc' NJ iuJSGutFCS OAlly DcIll3 Cudu9cu
Removing the cloth from the partly-com-
pleted portrait, Doris seized her palette
and with the ghost of tender smile on heI
quivering lips fell to painting with nervous
has e.
Il must finish it before New Years." she
said to herself And resolutely crowd ne
down her emouons, Doris worked steadily
till dinner time
To her relief Dr. Blake was absent max
ing his professional round Mrs Macl
glanced at the traces of recent tears or
Doris pale cheek with il-concealed tri
umph as the young girl bending over hel
plate, m de pretense of eating.
"The Doctor says you're th mixing of leav-
ing u.s." smoothly remarked the widow, afJel
vainly waiting for Doris to break the
silence.
"Yes," was the coldly monosyllabic reply
well, may be it's for the best" responded
Mrs Mack, steadily cycling her shrinking
victim, "for naturally you don't feel Xix,
being behoiden to any one longer'n you car
help, though as Paul--I mean the Doctor
says he d .dn't mind the extra expense whil
he was single with only himself to care for
But now, why"
Here Mrs Mack checked herself and coyl,